For Harry Potter fans the announcement that Dumbledore would be appearing in the sequel to the hit Fantastic Beasts film was amazing news. But it also raised a few questions considering the beloved headmaster of Hogwarts was once in a relationship with the film’s villain, Gellert Grindelwald, during his youth. So because of this many have asked will the film tackle Dumbledore’s sexuality or will it avoid the topic like in the original Harry Potter films. And it seems now we finally have an answer as director David Yates has confirmed the topic will not be brought up explicitly.

According to Yates, the film will not directly reference Dumbledore’s sexuality. Commenting on the topic in an interview Yates said,

“Not explicitly. But I think all the fans are aware of that. He had a very intense relationship with Grindelwald when they were young men. They fell in love with each other’s ideas, and ideology and each other.”

Yates also went on to discuss what Dumbledore is like in the new film,

“He’s a maverick and a rebel and he’s an inspiring teacher at Hogwarts. He’s witty and has a bit of edge. He’s not this elder statesman. He’s a really kinetic guy. And opposite Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, they make an incredible pairing.”

However, this is not to say that the topic of Dumbledore’s sexuality will not directly be referenced at one point in the future sequels. Rowling herself has hinted at it in the past when asked about Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald,

“I can’t tell you everything I would like to say because this is obviously a five-part story so there’s lots to unpack in that relationship. You will see Dumbledore as a younger man and quite a troubled man — he wasn’t always the sage…We’ll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as his sexuality is concerned … watch this space.”

So while this film may not go into Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald outright there is a chance it will be mentioned in the future. For now, though we will have to wait and see what the future holds for the world of Harry Potter.

How do you feel about Yates not directly referencing Dumbledore’s sexuality? Let us know at SuperBroMovies on Twitter what you think! – Jacob Campbell